Dispensing applicator for fluids

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a hand-held dispensing applicator comprising a fluid source, frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and absorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, the frangible applicator tip comprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and a frangible region there between. Preferably, the tongue element comprises ribs reinforcing the tongue element to resist unintentional breaking of the frangible region. Also, the applicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover disposed around the frangible region to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member. Adaptive embodiments allow the generation of designs applicable to a particular medical purpose.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/740,910 for aDISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, filed Apr. 26, 2007, and now U.S. Pat.No. 8,083,425, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference, which is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority from,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/138,142 for a DISPENSING APPLICATORFOR FLUIDS, filed May 26, 2005, and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,811, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed in general to means for swabbing asurface (i.e., skin) that is gripped by a user at one end and has asponge or absorbent material at the other end. Further, the presentinvention is directed to such means for swabbing a surface having asource of a fluid (e.g., disinfectant or medicament) in communicationwith the sponge or absorbent material. Specifically, the presentinvention is directed to such a fluid-containing means for swabbing asurface further having means that is fractured or separated for thepurpose of allowing the fluid to flow from the fluid source to thesponge or absorbent material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Applicators consisting of a wooden or plastic tube having a bud ofcotton on one or both ends, are widely used for numerous purposes, suchas the topical application of substances to the human body. A demandexists for a product of this kind, which serves not only as anapplicator, but also as a container for substances that are to beapplied to the human body. To be practical, such a device would have tohave a manually frangible portion that can readily be broken, while atthe same time being so constructed so as to prevent inadvertentfracture. An applicator of this nature would be useful for numerouspurposes.

Prior dispensing applicators allow excess amount fluid to flow tooquickly, and the fluid tends to pool on the surface. Depending upon thefluid being dispensed, such pooling can lead to patient discomfort,chemical burns, and even electrical shock if the dispensed fluid comesinto contact with electrical leads attached to the patient's body.

Moreover, in prior art dispensing applicators, the dispensed fluid tendsto accumulate at the rear-most portion of the absorbent member, which isclosest to the fluid source, instead of preferably evenly spreadingthroughout the absorbent member. As the volume of the dispensed fluidgradually increases at the rear portion of the absorbent member, thefluid starts uncontrollably dripping, thus, causing substantialinconvenience to a user.

A need, therefore, exists for a dispensing applicator overcoming theabove-identified drawbacks of the known related art.

A further need exists for a hand-held dispensing applicator that has asimple structure allowing the practitioner to deliver fluid to thesurfaces to be treated in a controllable manner.

Another need exists for a dispensing applicator that has an easilyactuatable structure requiring minimal application of manual force.

Further, a need exists for a hand-held dispensing applicator that has astructure minimizing uncontrollable distribution of fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, the present invention provides a hand-helddispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid, a frangibleapplicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent memberattached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicatortip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member,whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, thefluid is applied and spread on a surface in a controlled amount.Preferably, the fluid source is in the shape of a hollow tube containerthat is integrally formed, as a single piece, from a relatively rigidsynthetic resinous material. Preferably, the frangible applicator tipcomprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, arelatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the supportelement at an end of the container, and a frangible region therebetween.Extending through the support element is a fluid conduit that is open atthe end attached to the fluid source and sealed by the tongue element atthe end attached to the absorbent member. By deflecting the tongueelement relative to the support element, with a force of substantiallypredetermined magnitude, the frangible region between the tongue andsupport elements will fracture, thereby permitting fluid to flow fromthe fluid source through the conduit, and into the attached absorbentmember. Preferably, the tongue element comprises ribs for reinforcingthe tongue element to resist unintentional breaking of the frangibleregion. More preferably, the applicator tip comprises a semi-permeableor non-permeable cover disposed around the frangible region to controlthe speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbentmember.

In another embodiment, the dispensing applicator comprises a mountingbody which has a stem piece extending from a mounting body top part, anda lower body part which carries at an underside of the latter, anabsorbent applicator. An elongated fluid container having a first end isattachable at a second opposite end thereof and with a snap fit, in thestem piece. The container includes a frangible region remote from saidfirst end, and a rigid tongue element extends longitudinally from thefrangible region, a tip end of the tongue element defining the containeropposite second end.

A fracture anvil is disposed in the stem piece. To fracture thecontainer frangible region to release fluid there from to the absorbentapplicator, a relative movement between the container, i.e., the tongueelement thereof and the fracture anvil is effected. This is done withthe tongue element in contact with the fracture anvil. The contact andrelative movement produce the rupture of the frangible region and, morespecifically at the joinder location of the tongue element and frangibleregion.

In one form, the fracture anvil is a cylindrical body having a cruciformpassage extending therethrough and which receives the flat blade-liketongue element. By effecting a relative rotation between the fractureanvil and the container, the fracture of the frangible region results.

In another form, the fracture anvil is a truncated cylinder received inthe stern piece. By urging the container axially into the stem piece andagainst an inclined end face of the fracture anvil, the tongue elementis deflected laterally from its normal disposition to cause the ruptureat the joinder location thereof with the remainder frangible region.With the joinder structure ruptured, the fluid contents release from thecontainer. Flow gutters or channels are defined in the fracture anvil toinsure free contents flow from the container past or through thefracture anvil to the absorbent applicator. The arrangement of thetongue element and its structure is designed such as to allow retentionof at least one ribbon residue material connecting the tongue element tothe frangible region precluding passing of the tongue element into acontents flow channel wherein it could impede or block flow to theabsorbent applicator.

A further feature provides a snap fit cap fitted on an opposite contentsfilling end of the container opposite the tongue member end, andprovided with a seal that excludes any possible and contaminating airpresence in the contents at said container end.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a dispensing applicator according tothe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispensing applicator ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a front elevation view of a preferred applicator tip for thedispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the applicator tip of FIG. 3 whereinthe frangible region is broken;

FIG. 3C is a top view of the applicator tip of FIG. 3B wherein aperturesare formed in the broken frangible region;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a first preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a second preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a third preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a fourth preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the dispensing applicatorconstructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic view illustrating two positions of thedispensing applicator of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a dispensing applicator structured inaccordance with a further embodiment of the present invention andshowing a cross-sectional side view of the applicator tip;

FIG. 7 is a perspective detail view of an applicator tip for use in adispensing applicator according to the present invention having asemi-cover surrounding the frangible portion to control the speed anddirection of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a further aspect of anembodiment of an applicator according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of another aspect of an embodimentof the dispensing applicator configured with a collecting and guidingmeans for minimizing unintended evacuation of fluid via a proximal endof a fluid absorbent member enabling a preferred directional fluid flow;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are side sectional and rear sectional views of stillanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a side cross-sectional view of another dispensing applicatoraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a side cross-sectional view of a further aspect of anembodiment of the dispensing applicator according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a left front side perspective view of another embodiment ofdispensing applicator wherein a fluid containing source is receivablyattachable to an applicator mounting body stem piece in snap fitconnection therewith, initiation of fluid flow being effected with arelative rotative movement between the fluid source container and afracture anvil in the mounting body;

FIG. 13 is a right side exploded view of the FIG. 12 dispensingapplicator;

FIG. 14 is a plan view in section of the fluid source container, thecontainer being closed at one end, an attachment body being locatedremote from said container one end, a frangible length region includinga tongue element extending longitudinally from said attachment body;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of the applicator portion inthe circle area 15 of FIG. 14, the tongue element being separated adistance from the attachment body frangible region so that the fluidcontainer contents outflow apertures produced when the tongue element isfractured from the frangible length can be seen;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the circle area 16 in FIG. 13 of afracture anvil removably inserted in an applicator mounting block partof the applicator head, the fracture anvil having a cruciform passagefor reception of the fluid source container tongue element, the fractureanvil being employed to effect fracture of the frangible region-tongueelement joinder on a relative rotatable movement between said containerand said fracture anvil;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken on the line 17-17 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an exploded left front side perspective of the mounting blockwhich receives an absorbent applicator at a block bottom side;

FIG. 19 is a left side elevation view partly in section of the mountingblock, the absorbent applicator being affixed at the block bottom side,and an absorbent swab member being affixed to a block front sideadjacent to said bottom side, the fluid source container being depictedin position just before the tongue carrying end thereof is inserted intothe mounting block;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary section view of an upper inlet part of themounting block stem piece indicated in the circle 20 portion in FIG. 19,there being an annular slot inside adjacent entry to the upper inlet,said slot defining a detent for retaining a flange on the container toeffect snap fit of the container to the applicator mounting body.

FIG. 21 is a left side elevation view similar to FIG. 19 showing thefracture anvil received in the mounting block with the tongue elementpositioned in the cruciform passage in pre-fracture condition, thecontainer being snap fitted to the mounting block;

FIG. 22 is a section view taken on the line 22-22 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 21 but showing the post fractureposition of the fracture anvil, which has been rotated approximatelyninety degrees from the position it occupied in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a section view taken on the line 24-24 in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 23 except it is more broken away todepict how on occurrence of fracture of the frangible piece, fluidstarts to flow from the apertures at the fracture point and dispersesthrough the absorbent applicator;

FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 but showing a more profuse flow offluid occurring following fracturing of the frangible piece;

FIG. 27 is a left side elevation view of the applicator dispenserdepicting the orientation of the mounting block to present an absorbentswab to a use position;

FIG. 28 is a right side exploded perspective view of another embodimentof dispenser employing a fracture anvil for fracturing the tongueelement at its joinder point with the frangible length thereby toinitiate release of the container contents into the absorbentapplicator;

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary length portion of the container in half sectiontaken on line 29-29 in FIG. 28 depicting the manner of the capping ofthe container contents filling end;

FIG. 30 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of severalcomponents embodied in the capped end structure of the container;

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary perspective view of the applicator tongueelement carrying end in circle portion 31 of FIG. 28, depicting thetongue element as fractured separated from the frangible section solelyfor the purpose of illustrating the apertures from which container fluidcontents issue therefrom into the absorbent applicator, it beingunderstood that in the embodiment where the tongue element is fracturedwith urging against a fracture anvil, it is preferable that the tongueelement on fracturing, have retained structure by which it remainsattached to the frangible length while still allowing meaningful fluidcontents flow;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the circle 32 of FIG. 28, depictingdetail of a first form of truncated cylindrical fracture anvil wherein aflat chord face is formed in the anvil cylindrical periphery to definewith an inner encircling wall face of the stem piece, a flow channel inthe mounting block through which the fluid contents communicate from theruptured container to the absorbent applicator;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a second form of fracture anvil isprovided with a gutter-like fluid contents flow channel at itscylindrical periphery;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a third form of fracture anvil whereinits periphery is provided with plural flow gutters; and

FIGS. 35-37 are a side view partly in section of the applicator showingthe urging direction travel of the container to engage the tongueelement against the inclined end fracture face of the fracture anvil toeffect fracture of the tongue element at its joinder to the frangiblesection, the moved fractured position of the tongue element beingdepicted in dashed lines, and the release of fluid flow about thesecurely retained but fractured section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of theinvention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawingsand the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. Thedrawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. Forpurposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such astop, bottom, up, down, over, above, and below may be used with respectto the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not beconstrued to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words“connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemesdo not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but alsoinclude connections through mediate elements or devices.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, illustrate adispensing applicator according to the present invention generallyindicated as reference numeral 1. Dispensing applicator 1 comprises anabsorbent applicator member 8, a fluid source 10, and an applicator tip15. Absorbent member 8 may be of any suitable shape, such as cubic,cylindrical, or conical, and comprise any suitable absorbent material,such as cotton or sponge. Fluid source 10 may have any suitable shape.As shown in FIG. 1, fluid source 10 is preferably a hollow, generallycylindrical body. The end of fluid source body located adjacent toabsorbent member 8 is preferably sealed thereto at a joint or seam 30,such as by heat sealing, to enclose the fluid substance contained withinfluid source body 10. Applicator tip 15 comprises an attachment member17 and tongue member 18 joined thereto by a tapered frangible region orjuncture 19.

Tongue member 18 is preferably a flat and broad shape that extends adistance into absorbent member 8, such that tongue member 18 is longerthan it is wide (see FIGS. 4A to 4D). It should be noted that theattachment member 17 is relatively thick adjacent the fluid source body10, and tapers toward frangible juncture 19. Absorbent member 8 ispreferably connected to attachment member 17 and/or fluid source body10.

The manner of utilizing dispensing applicator 1 will be self-evident,and simply involves holding the dispensing applicator 1 with theabsorbent application member 8 against an application surface.Dispensing applicator 1 is held such that tongue member 18 is at anacute angle (Le., substantially parallel) to the application surface.Sufficient downward pressure of tongue member 18 against the applicationsurface will deflect tongue member 18 from the central axis c of thefluid source body 10. At a pre-determined amount of deflection, thefrangible juncture 19 will fracture or break proximate the intersectionthereof but will not separate. Fracture of the frangible juncture 19will desirably be achieved by the application of approximately 0.25 to 5pounds of force of tongue member 18 against the application surface andwill cause opening for fluid flow proximate junctures or apertures 12 aswill be discussed more fully below.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, breaking frangible juncture 19 will resultin the formation of one or more apertures 12 through which fluid fromsource body 10 may flow into absorbent member 8 (not shown), but fluidflow is shown from apertures 12, such that tongue portion 18 remainsflexibly fixed to frangible juncture member 19 and is prohibited fromseparation. In other words, fracture of the region proximate aperturesis required, but tongue portion 18 remains flexibly joined along a hingeline and is strengthened by rib members 31, as will be discussed.

In its most preferable form, all portions of the source body 10 willhave a wall thickness that is substantially uniform at a value of about0.005 inch to about 0.025 inch (about 0.127 mm to about 0.635 mm), butmay become thinner proximate regions 12 to urge ready fracture. Thesource body 10 is preferably made of polypropylene having a density of0.897 g/cm² and a flexural modulus of about 150 Kpsi (about 1035 MPa),as determined by ASTM method 790B. The source body 10 is preferablyabout 6 inches to about 10 inches in overall length, and about 0.25 toabout 1.0 inches in diameter, so as to be convenient to grasp and stillcontain sufficient fluid for a single application.

The applicator tip 15 is about 1 to 3 inches long, and about 0.325inches in diameter. The frangible juncture 19 will preferably have athickness of about 0.0005 inch to about 0.002 inch (about 0.013 mm toabout 0.050 mm). The one or more apertures 12, which are produced by thefracture of frangible juncture 19, but not the separation of tonguemember 18, may be of any suitable size, but preferably have a width andheight that is substantially correlated to the width and thickness oflarge ribs 31, 32 (see FIG. 3).

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3C, tongue member 18 preferably comprises aplurality of reinforcing ribs 31, 32. Due to the reinforcing ribs andthe resultant rigidity of tongue member 18, there will be reduced flexalong the length of tongue 18, and an applied force on tongue member 18will be effectively entirely transferred to and concentrated atfrangible juncture 19 proximate apertures 12. The result will be thereliable fracturing of frangible juncture 19 proximate apertures 12,which fracturing results in the formation of one or more apertures 12 ofsuitable size on the same side as the force application to permit thefluid within the fluid source body 10 to be discharged therefrom anddistributed across a predetermined area of absorbent application member8 (FIG. 1). As noted above, it will generally be desirable for thematerial forming fluid source body 10 to be sufficiently thin to permitsome compression of fluid source body 10, so as to enable discharge of aliquid therein at a faster rate than would otherwise occur, and/or topromote the flow of the fluid, especially if the fluid is relativelyviscous. While in a first use apertures 12 may only fracture along aportion of the aperture directing fluid flow along one side (the forceapplication side) if force is directed in the opposite direction,apertures 12 will fracture along their remaining region, retainingtongue member 18 only by the flexible hinge between apertures 12 andstrengthening ribs 31.

FIG. 4A illustrates a first arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 a. Asshown, tongue 18 a is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 a, atop edge 41 a, and side edges 42 a, 43 a. Bottom edge 40 a issubstantially linear with a central point 45 a and corners 46 a, 47 a atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 a, 43 a meet. Topedge 41 a is curvilinear with an apex 48 a and corners 49 a, 50 a atwhich the distal ends of respect side edges 42 a, 43 a terminate.Central point 45 a and apex 48 a lie along central axis c. The distancebetween central point 45 a and apex 48 a is the length of tongue 18 a,while the distance between corners 49 a, 50 a is the width of tongue 18a. The thickness 51 a of tongue 18 a is the distance between the top andbottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 a, 43 a each have a respectivelarge rib 31 a, 30 a extending along the entire length thereof. It isnotable that tongue 18 a extends a distance beyond the length of thelarge ribs 31 a, 30 a to apex 48 a, whereby top edge 41 a is notreinforced. Ribs 31 a, 30 a are each about 3 times the thickness oftongue 18 a and about ⅕^(th) the width of tongue 18 a. Small ribs 32 aredisposed directly adjacent to their respective large rib 31 a, 30 a onthe side thereof that is proximate to central axis c. Each small rib 32extends from bottom edge 40 a for a distance that is about 3/10^(th) thelength of the large ribs 31 a, 32 a. Each small rib 32 is about 2 timesthe thickness of tongue 18 a and about 1/10^(th) the width of tongue 18a.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 b. Asshown, tongue 18 b is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 b, atop edge 41 b, and side edges 42 b, 43 b. Bottom edge 40 b issubstantially linear with a central point 45 b and corners 46 b, 47 b atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 b, 43 b meet. Topedge 41 b is curvilinear with an apex 48 b and corners 49 b, 50 b atwhich the distal ends of respect side edges 42 b, 43 b terminate.Central point 45 b and apex 48 b lie along central axis c (see FIG. 2).The distance between central point 45 b and apex 48 b is the length oftongue 18 b, while the distance between corners 49 b, 50 b is the widthof tongue 18 b. The thickness 51 b of tongue 18 b is the distancebetween the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 b, 43 b eachhas a respective large rib 31 b, 32 b extending along the entire lengththereof. Large ribs 31 b are each about 3 times the thickness of tongue18 b and about ⅕^(th) the width of tongue 18 b. Small half-ribs 33 b, 34b are disposed directly adjacent to their respective large ribs 31 b onthe sides thereof that are proximate to central axis c. A small rib 35 bis disposed along central axis c. Each small half-rib 33 b, 34 b extendsfrom bottom edge 40 b a distance that is about 3/10 the length of thelarge ribs 31 b. Each small half-rib 33 b, 34 b is about 2 times thethickness of tongue 18 b and about 1/20^(th) the width of tongue 18 b.The small rib 35 b extends from bottom edge 40 b a distance that isabout 3/10 the length of the large ribs 31 b. The small rib 35 b isabout 2 times the thickness of tongue 18 b and about 1/10^(th) the widthof tongue 18 b.

FIG. 4C illustrates a third arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 c. Asshown, tongue 18 c is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 c, atop edge 41 c, and side edges 42 c, 43 c. Bottom edge 40 c issubstantially linear with a central point 45 c and corners 46 c, 47 c atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 c. 43 c meet. Topedge 41 c is curvilinear with an apex 48 c and corners 49 c, 50 c atwhich the distal ends of respect side edges 42 c, 43 c terminate.Central point 45 c and apex 48 c lie along central axis c (see FIG. 2).The distance between central point 45 c and apex 48 c is the length oftongue 18 c, while the distance between corners 49 c, 50 c is the widthof tongue 18 c. The thickness 51 c of tongue 18 c is the distancebetween the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 c, 43 c eachhas a respective large rib 31 c, 32 c extending along the entire lengththereof. Large ribs 31 c, 32 c are each about 3 times the thickness oftongue 18 c and about ⅕^(th) the width of tongue 18 c. A small rib 35 cis disposed along central axis c. The small rib 35 c extends from bottomedge 40 c a distance that is about 3/10 the length of the large ribs 31.The small rib 35 c is about 2 times the thickness of tongue 18 c andabout 1/10^(th) the width of tongue 18 c.

FIG. 4D illustrates a fourth arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 d. Asshown, tongue 18 d is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 d, atop edge 41 d, and side edges 42 d, 43 d. Bottom edge 40 d issubstantially linear with a central point 45 d and corners 46 d, 47 d atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 d, 43 d meet. Topedge 41 d is curvilinear with an apex 48 d and corners 49 d, 50 d atwhich the distal ends of respect side edges 42 d, 43 d terminate.Central point 45 d and apex 48 d both lie along central axis c (see FIG.2). The distance between central point 45 d and apex 48 d is the lengthof tongue 18 d, while the distance between corners 49 d, 50 d is thewidth of tongue 18 d. The thickness 51 d of tongue 18 d is the distancebetween the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 d, 43 d eachhas a respective large rib 31 d, 32 d extending along the entire lengththereof. Large ribs 31 d, 32 d are each about 3 times the thickness oftongue 18 d and about ⅕^(th) the width of tongue 18 d. Spaced apart fromeach large rib 31 d, 32 d is a respective small rib 33 d, 34 d. Thesmall ribs 33 d, 34 d are spaced apart from each other and evenly spacedfrom central axis c. The small ribs 33 d, 34 d are closer to centralaxis c than to their respective large ribs 31 d, 32 d. The small ribs 33d, 34 d extend from bottom edge 40 b a distance that is about 3/10 thelength of the large ribs 31 d, 32 d. The small ribs 33 d, 34 d are about2 times the thickness of tongue 18 h and about 1/10^(th) the width oftongue 18 b. Each small rib 33 d, 34 d is spaced apart from the centralaxis c by a distance that is approximately equal to its respectivewidth. The small ribs 33 d, 34 d are spaced apart from each other by adistance that is approximately equal to 2 times the width of eithersmall rib 33 d or 34 d. Each small rib 33 d, 34 d is spaced apart fromits respective large rib 31 d, 32 d by a distance that is approximatelyequal to 2 times its respective width.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a second dispensing applicator 100 accordingto the present invention. Dispensing applicator 100 comprises anapplicator head 108, a source of fluid, which is shown as a hollow,generally cylindrical body 110, and an applicator tip 115, which has anattachment member 117 and tongue member 118 joined thereto by a taperedfrangible juncture member 119 having fracture sites as noted above at12. Fluid source body 110 and applicator tip 115 are respectivelyidentical in form and function to fluid source body 10 and applicatortip 15 described hereinabove in reference to FIGS. 1 through 4D.

In addition, dispensing applicator member 100 is provided with anabsorbent swab member 201, and an inwardly projecting ridge-shapedmember 215 provided within body 110. A portion of body 110 is adapted tohold and/or support absorbent applicator member 105. As shown, absorbentapplicator member 105 is held and supported on a surface 106. Surface106 is provided with at least one aperture 107, such that the fluid mayflow from the interior of body 110 into absorbent applicator member 105,as discussed in further detail herein below. Furthermore, a portion ofbody 110 is adapted to hold and/or support absorbent swab member 210.

As shown, absorbent swab member 210 is held and supported on a surface203 that is connected to body 110 by a stock member 204. Absorbent swabmember 210 is preferably not in fluid communication with the interior ofbody 110. Outer surface 201 of absorbent applicator member 105 isoriented relative to body 200 such that, when absorbent applicatormember 105 is substantially parallel to an application surface (i.e., incontact with the application surface), the central axis c of body 110forms an angle of about 45° with the application surface, which angleprovides a comfortable grip for the user and facilitates the flow offluid through the interior of body 110 into absorbent application member105. Similarly, absorbent applicator member 105 of absorbent swab member210 is oriented relative to body 200, such that, when absorbent swabmember 210 is substantially parallel to an application surface (i.e., incontact with the application surface), the central axis c of body 200forms an angle of about 30° with the application surface, which angleprovides a comfortable grip for the user and allows the user to spreadthe applied fluid over a relatively large area with relatively less armmovement and/or extension.

The manner of utilizing dispensing applicator 100 involves holding thedispensing applicator 100 with the absorbent application member 105against an application surface, Downward pressure of applicator 100against the application surface will displace head 108 upwardly andforce ridge-shaped member 215 into contact with tongue member 118.Sufficient upward pressure of ridge-shaped member 215 against tonguemember 118 will upwardly deflect the tongue member 118 from the centralaxis c of the fluid source body 110. At a predetermined amount ofdeflection, the frangible juncture 119 will fracture or break atapertures 12 (not shown), but not along the entire hinge region or atstrengthening ribs (not shown) preventing unintended separation.Fracture of the frangible juncture 119 will desirably be achieved by theapplication of approximately 0.25 to 5 pounds of downward force ofapplicator 100 against the application surface. Breaking frangiblejuncture 119 will result fluid from fluid source body 110 flowing intohead 108 via apertures 12 (not shown, but noted in FIGS. 3A-3C).Comparable to breaking frangible region 19 of applicator tip 15, asdiscussed herein above in reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C, breakingfrangible region 119 of applicator tip 115 results in the formation ofone or more apertures in applicator tip 115 through which fluid fromsource body 110 may flow into head 108 without the unintended separationof the tip member 115. Thus, in general, applicator tip 15 is comparablein form and structure to applicator tip 115.

Absorbent swab member 210 may be employed for a variety of purposes.Swab 210 may be used to spread a fluid over the application surfaceafter the application member 205 initially applies the fluid. Using swab210 in this way would be particularly advantageous if the amount offluid that is desired to cover a relatively large surface area has beeninadvertently applied to a relatively small area, which may occur ifapplication member 105 becomes over-saturated with fluid and can nolonger effectively regulate the flow rate and amount of fluid beingapplied. Moreover, swab member 210 may be used to soak up fluid on theapplication surface, for example, when an excess of fluid has beenapplied or the fluid has been applied over the wrong area.

As stated above, absorbent swab member 210 is preferably not in fluidcommunication with the interior of body 200. However, a possible use forswab 210 is applying fluid to a second surface area that is separate andapart from the surface area over which used absorbent application member205. In the critical interest of avoiding cross-contamination, it isdesirable to use the application member 105 over only a singlecontiguous surface area that should be relatively limited (e.g., theupper front of the torso, instead of the entire front of the torso).Accordingly, after an initial application, any additional fluid in agiven dispensing applicator may go wastefully unutilized. Therefore, inanother embodiment of absorbent applicator head 108, there is providedat least one aperture (not shown) in surface 203, such that fluid mayfluid from the interior of body 200 into absorbent swab member 210.

Head 108 may be detachable from fluid body 110. Fluid body 110 maycontain an amount of fluid that is greater than is necessary for a givenapplication. Accordingly, after an initial application, any additionalfluid in a given dispensing applicator may go wastefully unutilized.Therefore, in another embodiment of applicator 100, fluid body 110 isremovably attached to head 108 so that head 108 may be disposed ofseparately from fluid body 110. If fluid body 110 contains residualfluid after an initial application, other absorbent head may be attachedto fluid body 110, thereby allowing the residual fluid to be applied toanother application surface.

Referring to FIG. 6, as stated above, it is desirous to avoidcross-contamination by using a given absorbent applicator over only asingle contiguous, relatively limited, surface area. Yet, using a givenabsorbent application in such a manner will often result in an amount offluid therein being wasted. Accordingly, a dispensing applicatoraccording to the present invention, generally indicated as referencenumeral 300, may be provided with a relatively larger, multi-sidedabsorbent applicator member 308, such that different sides thereof maybe used on different surface areas.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown an applicator tip having asemi-permeable or non-permeable cover 400 substantially surroundingfrangible juncture 19. The purpose of cover 400 is to control the speedand direction of the dispersion of fluid in a surrounding absorbentmember (not shown).

Preferably, a rearward edge 401 of cover 400 will be attached toapplicator tip 15. More preferably, rearward edge 401 will be fullysealed around applicator tip 15 without gaps or holes so that fluid maynot flow rearward under edge 401. If cover 400 is semi-permeableadjacent to rearward edge 401, fluid may flow rearward through cover400, but preferably will not flow rearward under edge 401 given the morepreferable fully sealed attachment thereof to applicator tip 15. Incontrast, a forward or distal edge 402 of cover 400 is preferably freeand unattached to applicator tip 15 so that fluid may flow forward undercover 400 substantially without being impeded thereby.

Preferably, cover 400 is formed as a seamless, unitary cylindricalsleeve. Nonetheless, cover 400 may be of any suitable shape andconstruction. Depending upon its intended function, cover 400 may besemi-permeable or impermeable to fluid. Cover 400 may be made of variousmaterials, including natural and/or synthetic rubbers, thermoplastics(e.g., polyethylene), cellulosic materials or similar fibers (i.e.,natural polymeric fibers), and metallic materials. Cover 400 may be acontiguous sheet, a mesh, a felt, or another suitable form, with orwithout reinforcing fibers and/or seams (i.e., “rip-stop” seams).

Preferably, cover 400 is pliable and flexible so that it does not impededeflection of tongue member 18. In other words, it is preferable thatcover 400 does not hinder the breaking of frangible juncture 19.

However, surrounding frangible juncture 19 with a cover 400 havingsuitable thickness and/or stiffness will provide a level ofreinforcement that prevents inadvertent breaking of frangible juncture19. According, by employing a suitable thick and/or stiff cover 400,tongue member 18 may be provided without reinforcing ribs. Thus,employing cover 400 to reinforce frangible juncture 19 willadvantageously simplify production of application tip 15, since tonguemember 18 may be molded as a simple flat extension.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a dip mold process may be used to make sourcebody 10, applicator tip 15, or both. The dip molding process begins withpreheating of a male mold made from a material having relatively highheat capacity and coefficient of thermal conductivity. This heated moldis then placed in a fluidized bed of meltable particulate resinousmaterial for a time needed to provide a coating of a desired thickness.The mold with melted resinous material is then removed from thefluidized bed, heated a second time and cooled. Finally the tubecomponent is stripped from the mold.

As noted above, it is important for the proper functioning of theapplicator that the tube be fabricated from a material that issufficiently rigid to enable manual fracture of the frangible endportion. If the material is too flexible, deflection of the stem willnot produce the desired result. On the other hand, if the material isexcessively rigid and brittle, the possibility of an inadvertentfracture will exist, and compression of the body portion to promote flowwould be precluded due to the likelihood of cracking, or simply becauseexcess force is required. A variety of synthetic resinous materials maybe utilized, the selection of which will be evident to those skilled inthe art. The resin must have a sufficiently low melt viscosity to permitcoverage of all mold surfaces, and it must produce a nonporous andpinhole-free structure. The polymer will normally be a thermoplastic,and exemplary materials include polypropylene, high densitypolyethylene, rigid polyvinyl chloride and nylon.

The tongue member of the applicator tip will preferably be elongated tofacilitate attachment thereof to the absorbent member 8. However, it isnot essential that the tongue member 18 be of any specific shape and,for example, may be rectangular or cylindrical. Regardless of the shapeof tongue member 18, it is essential that suitable reinforcing ribs, asdescribed hereinabove, be included to prevent unintentional breaking orseparation of frangible portion 19. Moreover, the shape of tongue member18 will dictate the shape of the orifice formed in applicator tip 15where the tongue member 18 is fractured for fluid release. Accordingly,the flow rate and overall amount of fluid applied to an applicationsurface by dispensing applicator 1 is a function of several factors,including the shape and strength of tongue member 18 (and the resultingorifice), the porosity of absorbent member 8, the density of the fluid,and the force employed by the user when breaking frangible portion 19and pressing absorbent member 8 against the application surface.Determining the optimal flow rate for a given application is well withinthe ability of one skilled in the art and, therefore, will not beelaborated upon herein.

As stated above, the porous member may be made of any suitablematerial(s), most notably open cell, soft, and pliant sponge-like foam,that may be, for example, a polyurethane composition. The choice ofmaterial will depend largely upon the particular application and thecharacteristics of tongue member 18 and the fluid held in source body10.

In its normal form, source body 10 will be of circular cross-section.However, other shapes are also believed to be feasible. The source body10 may have a square, triangular, or rectangular cross-section, and theshape may indeed be asymmetrical in cross section and of dissimilarshapes at different points along its length. It will be appreciatedtherefore that, as used herein the term “diameter” is to be construed ina broad sense, so as to be applicable to non-circular elementscorresponding to those shown, and to refer to the maximumcross-sectional dimension of the element. Although normally completelyhollow, the source body 10 may include appropriate reinforcementelements, such as internal support pillars, to provide adequate overallstrength and rigidity, while permitting the source body 10 to have athinner than would otherwise be possible. Likewise, source body 10 mayinclude a solid portion, for example, to be gripped while breakingfrangible portion 19, so that source body 10 will not be prematurelycompressed or squeezed, which might result in too much fluid flowing tooquickly into absorbent member 8.

Controlling a rate of dispensing fluid is critical because a) oversaturation of the absorbent member reduces the collecting capability ofthis member, and b) back flow of the delivered fluid from the distal endtowards the proximal end of the absorbent member interferes with thephysician's work. Accordingly, FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodimentof the invention directed to a dispensing applicator 350 which isconfigured to prevent fluid from uncontrollably entering an attachmentmember 354 that is coupled to tip 15. At least one, but preferably amultiplicity of capillary vessels 352 is provided within the attachmentmember. Being in fluid communication with a source body 360, vessels352, by virtue of their cross-section, meter an amount of fluidpenetrating into the absorbent member (not shown). Thus, a combinationof the openings, which are formed as a result of breaking frangibleregion 19 and vessels 352, effectively limits oversaturation of theabsorbent member.

Still another embodiment of a dispensing applicator 450 is illustratedin FIG. 9. As shown, applicator 450 does not have a frangible structureor region. Instead, an attachment member 452 is provided with at leastone or more capillary vessels 454 controllably traversed by fluid fromfluid source 464. Vessels 454 project into an applicator tip 465 whilepenetrating a proximal end of an absorbent member 456. The cross-sectionof the vessels is selected to provide a metered delivery of fluid.

However, absorbent member 456 can still accumulate an excessive amountof fluid, which will eventually result in a backflow towards theproximal end of the absorbent member and subsequent voluntary evacuationof fluid via this end. To limit or minimize such a possibility,applicator 450 has a flow limiting component or cover 458. Formed withinabsorbent member 456 and, preferably, sealed to the proximal endthereof, cover 458 is able to collect fluid flowing towards the proximalend of absorbent member 456 and, thus, prevents uncontrollableevacuation of accumulated fluid.

As illustrated, cover 458 is provided with a body having a pair ofconcave sides 460 whose free or distal ends are spaced from one anotherat a distance that defines an open exit/entrance for fluid. The bottomportions 464 of cover 458 extend complementary to converging flanks 466of attachment member 452. Stability of an applicator tip 465 is added byproviding the distal end of attachment member 452 with a rib 470. Notethat cover 458 does not completely prevent backflow of fluid leaving aspace within the absorbent member which is sufficient to amply, but notexcessively, wet the surfaces of this member.

A further embodiment of dispensing applicator 479 is illustrated inFIGS. 10A and 10B. Applicator 479 has a frangible region 19 structuredsubstantially similar to the like configured regions which are discussedin detail above. To prevent uncontrollable evacuation of fluid via aproximal end 474 of an absorbent member 476, applicator 479 has a cover472 functioning similarly to cover 458 of FIG. 9. However, cover 472 isconfigured with a pair of rectilinear flanks 478 and a bottom portion480 that extends parallel to a flat distal end of attachment member.

The applicator 479 is formed by inserting cover 472 into and sealing itto the interior of absorbent member 476. The bottom portion 480 liespreferable flush with the proximal end of the absorbent member and issealingly attached to frangible region 19.

Embodiments of a dispensing applicator 490 illustrated in FIGS. 11A and11 b are conceptually close to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5Aand 5B and include an applicator head 492 which is formed with anabsorbent member 494 and a swab member 496. The absorbent and swabmembers have a center axes A-A and B-B, respectively, which intersectone another forming an angle of about 80-100°.

The difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B and the currentone includes utilization of one or more capillary vessels 498 providedinstead of the frangible region. While, swab member 496 of FIG. 11A isprevented from fluid communication with an interior of a fluid sourcebody, swab member 496 of FIG. 11B is traversed by a capillary tube 499and has an inner surface 497 in fluid communication with the interiorvia an opening 495, for the reasons explained above in reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B.

The present invention is primarily directed to a dispensing applicatorfor the application of liquids to the surface of the head, limbs, and/orbody for medical purposes (i.e., pre-surgical disinfection). However,dispensing applicators according to the present invention may be used ina wide variety of purposes and environments. For example, a dispensingapplicator according to the present invention can be used forapplication of lubricant(s) or adhesive(s). The range of sizes can alsovary widely, as long as the several wall thicknesses are controlledappropriately to afford the desired functional characteristics discussedherein. It should also be appreciated by those of skill in the art thatthe fluid reservoirs, in selected embodiments, are flexibly bounded andallow an operator to control volumetric application based on the amountof pressure applied to the exterior of the reservoir. As a consequenceof this design, it should also be recognized by those of skill in theart, that an operator releasing a compressed reservoirs, may partiallysuction released fluid back into the reservoir and minimize pooling.

Another embodiment of the dispenser is depicted in FIGS. 12-27. Withreference to those Figures, dispensing applicator 60 comprises amounting block 66 having a base piece 61, a bottom side skirt part 62 towhich is affixed an absorbent sponge type applicator 63, and a stempiece 64 upstanding from base piece 61. An absorbent swab 65 is carriedat an adjacent side of the mounting block 66, for which purpose themounting block 66 includes a mounting bracket 67 (depicted to advantagein FIG. 18) receptive of a skirt piece 68 to which swab 65 is affixed.

Stem piece 64 is a tubular component and its interior space 99 is incommunication with the interior space 69 of base piece 61, the lastmentioned space outletting to absorbent applicator 63 so that a flowcourse in the mounting block 66 has inlet in the stem piece 64 andoutlet at applicator 63. An elongated fluid container 70 is attachableto the mounting block, an end of the container being received in stempiece 64.

Referring in more detail to FIGS. 12-17, container 70 which is oftubular configuration is capped at a first end as at 71. At a distalopposite end length, an attachment member 72 has a length portion, as at73, received inside the container; and, the length portion is affixed tothe container as, for example, by heat sealing. The length portion has aflange 80 thereon and a continuing length portion 73 a constituting afrangible section, this section transitions into a tongue element, 74.The juncture of the tongue element 74 and the continuing length portion73 a defines a weakened joinder location at which the fracture and atleast partial separation of the tongue element from the frangiblesection will occur, enabling outletting of fluid from container 70.

FIGS. 16 and 17 depict one embodiment of a fracture anvil 76. Thefracture anvil has a cruciform passage 77 extending therethrough, aswell as a number of fluid pass-through passages 78 for enabling fluidreleased on fracture to flow toward absorbent applicator 63.

When the second opposite end of the container 70 is inserted into thestem piece 64, the tongue element is aligned such that it will enter andlocate in the cross passage part 77 a of cruciform passage 77, thefracture anvil having been inserted in the bore of the stem piece. Thesecond opposite end of the container 70 is snap fit connected to thestem piece 64. The arrangement is such that with flange 80 received inannular internal groove or slot 154 in the stem piece, the tongueelement 74 is properly positioned in cross passage part 77 a foreffecting fracture (FIG. 21).

External dimensioning of the annular flange 80 and internal groove 154is such that the container 70 can be rotated relative to the fractureanvil while the fracture anvil is held. This approximately ninety degreerotation of the container is effective to twist the tongue element 74 atthe weakened joinder location with length portion 73 a, fracturing itand effecting at least partial separation from length portion 73 a. Withthis fracture, fluid releases from the container into the mounting blockthrough course. FIGS. 21, 22 and FIGS. 23, 24 show, respectively, preand post-fracture orientations of length portion 73 a.

FIG. 25 shows how fluid outlets the container in streams from apertures83 at the fracture site of tongue element 74 and length portion 73 a,the apertures 83 being shown in FIG. 15 as well. FIG. 26 shows thepattern of fluid flow to and distributed throughout the absorbentapplicator 63, which distribution is promoted by the passages 84 formedin the applicator 63.

FIG. 27 illustrates the orientation of the dispenser when, e.g., it isdesired to swab a large patient area, spreading out the quantity offluid applied to the patient with absorbent swab 65.

FIG. 28 depicts an embodiment of dispensing applicator 60-2, which isidentical with the FIG. 13 applicator 60 except wherein fracture anvil76-1 is embodied as a truncated cylinder. The anvil 76-1 shown in moredetail in FIGS. 32 and 35 is provided with a flat inclined top face 132,and with a flat chord face 177 at the cylindrical periphery thereof andextending between top face 132 and a bottom face 179. With the anvil76-1 received in stem piece 64 as shown in FIGS. 35-37, flat chord face177 is disposed spaced from the cylindrical inner surface of the stempiece 64 and therewith defines a flow channel along which fluid contentsof container 70 can flow from interior space 99 of the stem piece 64 tothe interior space 69 of base piece 61.

Referring to FIGS. 35-37, explanation of fracturing for fluid flow (butnot separation) of the frangible weakened joint at which the tongueelement 74 is connected to the frangible length part 73 a is now given.The circular inner surface of the stem piece 64 is shouldered orprovided with a stop as at 139 to hold the fracture anvil 76-1 (FIG. 32)in stopped position so it cannot move lower in the stem piece passage.When the applicator is to be used, a fluid container 70 will be insertedinto the stem piece 64, tongue element 74 first. The tip end of thetongue element 74 will in course of insertion travel strike against theinclined top face 132 of the fracture anvil 76-1 in consequence of whichthe tongue element 64 will be laterally displaced from the full lineposition thereof in FIG. 35 to the position as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37.That displacement effects rupture (but not separation) of the tongueelement at its joinder location with the frangible region and containerfluid contents are released through orifices 83 (FIG. 15) into the stempiece interior space. It is specifically noted, that in FIG. 31 theseparation is shown only for purposes of visualizing the openingsaccessed by fracture of the frangible regions, and it will be recognizedthat the inner joining region of tongue member 74 remains firmly andsecurely attached to head member 80, and is merely displaced allowing afluid-flow access to the openings noted. Thus, FIG. 31 is forillustrative purposes only and does not reflect a separation.

Additional fracture anvil embodiments are shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. Inthese embodiments, the truncated cylinder anvils 76-2 and 76-3 unlikefracture anvil 76-1, retain their outer surface cylindrical envelopes.Like fracture anvil 76-1, these anvils each have an inclined flat topface 132 and a flat bottom face 179. To provide flow from the inclinedtop face to the flat bottom face side of the fracture anvils,gutter-like flow channels 133 are formed in the cylindrical periphery ofeach anvil, these flow channels 133 extending from the inclined top face132 to the flat bottom face 179. Fracture anvil 76-2 has one flowchannel or relatively large cross section area, whereas, fracture anvil76-3 has plural, i. e., three flow channels each of smaller crosssection area but in total about the same as the cross section area offracture anvil 76-2. The flow channels 133 juxtapose with the innerencircling periphery of the stem piece and provide ample artery volumeto insure proper fluid flow to the absorbent applicator 63

An important consideration in the dispensing applicator is (a) completefilling of container 70 during manufacture to ensure maximum supply and(b) avoidance of contamination of the fluid contents in the container 70both as to at initial filling of disinfectant and medicaments thereinand as to post filling handling and storage until need to use. It willbe recognized by those of skill in the art, that achieving (a) willeliminate air pockets prior to use that will impact contamination in(b). In this regard and with continuing reference to FIGS. 29 and 30,the container 70 of dispensing applicator 60-2 is provided at its firstor filling end with a capping assembly 240 (as shown) that includes aclosure cap 241 having a central disc part 243 and an axially directedperipheral skirt 242 encircling the outer surface of the container 70 atits first end. The first end tip part of container 70 has a radiallyinwardly directed annular flange 244 defining a central opening 245(SeeFIG. 30) in the container tip end. A boss 248 projects axially from theinner face of central disc part 243 and with the cap in place on thecontainer first end, the boss 248 will locate a distance through centralopening 245 upon assembly. The capping assembly also includes a, e.g.,foil material gasket 250 constructed from a suitable material which isused to intervene the inner side of the closure cap 241 and the firstend face, i.e., the annular flange 244 outer face of the container 70.

FIG. 30 depicts the manner of container filling. A filling line 252(shown as a tube) in the sterile filling operation environment deliversdisinfectant or medicament fluid as discussed herein of any suitablekind through central opening 245 into the container until there isoverflow of fluid at which point the filling is terminated. Gasket 250is then set on top of the outer face of flange 244, the gasket being oflarger area expanse than flange 244 and makes liquid contact for sealingpurposes. Further, gasket 250 is selected from materials which areliquid proof, stretchable or deformable to a certain degree so that whenclosure cap 241 is fitted over the first end of the container sandwichedbetween the closure cap inner face and the outer face of flange 244, anair tight joint seal of the container is effected without a bubble,since the gasket material will conform to the sandwiching structure inintimate contact therewith. FIG. 29 illustrates this clearly and employsa formed main tube body 70 having only smaller opening 245. It is alsoto be noted from FIG. 29 that fluid fills the first end of the container70 and is in air excluding contact with the gasket, and the apparentfluid gap in FIG. 29 is employed only to show depth of the fluid and notthe existence of an unfilled portion of the tube. This arrangementassures absence of any possible contaminants-containing air within thecontainer. It is preferred that the closure cap 241 once in place be notremovable from the container. This can be effected by sonic welding orother attachment means of the closure cap to the container andoptionally of the foil closure itself. If it is thought expedient forany reason, the cap can be removably snap fitted to the container. Forexample, an annular groove in one of the structure inner skirt surfaceand outer surface of the container, and an annular bead on the other ofsaid surfaces will allow removal the closure cap but only withdeliberately intended such action.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 38-40, an alternative constructionis provided at a dispenser system 500 containing a head member 501secured to a dispensing fluid container 502 and surrounded by a foamdispersing member 503 constructed in a manner previously discussed.

As earlier noted, flow shields and flow control devices may beparticularly useful in preventing unintended fluid release, fluid spillback during application (from buildup within foam dispersing member 503)etc.

Similarly, a flexible tip or tongue member 505 is joined withreinforcing members 506 (shown in the first figure) joined to fracturemember 506 on head member 501 so that the fracture about the stressedareas earlier noted (see for example FIG. 3C at 12, the discussion ofFIG. 5A and the related discussions of flexible fracture upon movementof the tongue member while retaining and preventing separation of thetongue member). As a consequence, fluid flows 510 from the fracture oropening site may approach an application surface 511 upon actuation.What is additionally appreciated here, is that, as

In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended tocover the structures described or suggested herein as performing therecited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt maynot be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction betweena wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw's helical surfacepositively engages the wooden part, and a bolt's head and nut compressopposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening woodenparts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by thoseskilled in the art as equivalent structures.

It will be understood that the present invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details givenherein.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. A dispensing applicator comprising: (a) a mountingblock having a base portion and a stem portion extending from a firstend of said base portion, said base portion and said stem portion havingcommunicating interior through courses therein; (b) a fluid-absorbentmember carried at a second end of said base portion and havingcommunication with an end of said interior through course; (c) anelongated fluid container, said container having a first closed end, afrangible region remote from said first end, and a substantially rigidtongue element extending longitudinally from said frangible region anddefining a container second end receivable in said stem piece, whereinsaid fluid container first end is closed with a closure cap; and (d)means for allowing fluid release from said container through saidmounting block to said fluid-absorbent member.
 18. A dispenser inaccordance with claim 17, wherein said means for allowing fluid releasecomprises a fracture anvil receivable in said stem portion, saidfracture anvil embodying fluid flow through passage means, a relativemovement between said fracture anvil and said container whilemaintaining engaging contact of said tongue element with said fractureanvil being effective to fracture said frangible region withoutseparation thereby initiating fluid release from said container.
 19. Adispenser in accordance with claim 18, wherein said fracture anvil is atruncated cylinder having an inclined face at one end thereof facing anentry end of said stem piece, said fracture anvil fluid flow passageextending from said upper face to an opposite remote fracture anvilface, wherein fracture of said tongue element at said frangible regionbeing effected by urging said fracture anvil inwardly in the stem pieceso as to engage said inclined face with a tip end of said tongue elementwhereby continued urged travel of said fracture anvil causes said tongueelement to deflect laterally and fracture at said fracture region, witha resulting fluid release from said container to said fluid-absorbentmember.
 20. A dispenser in accordance with claim 19, wherein saidfracture anvil fluid flow passage is a substantially circulargutter-like channel from said inclined face of said anvil to a secondend of said anvil.
 21. A dispenser in accordance with claim 19, whereinsaid fracture anvil comprises a plurality of substantially circulargutter-like channels from said inclined face of said anvil to a secondend of said anvil.
 22. A dispenser in accordance with claim 19, whereinsaid fracture anvil fluid flow passage is a substantially flatshelf-like channel extending from said inclined face of said anvil to asecond end of said anvil.
 23. A dispenser in accordance with claim 17,wherein said means for allowing fluid release comprises a ridge-shapedmember positioned on an inner wall of said stem portion, saidridge-shaped member engaging contact of said tongue element to fracturesaid frangible region without separation thereby initiating fluidrelease from said container.
 24. A dispenser in accordance with claim17, said closure cap being snap fit connected to said fluid container,said closure cap having a closure disc part and an annular encirclingskirt extending from said disc part in the direction of said containersecond end in close embrace of an outer surface of said container.
 25. Adispenser in accordance with claim 17, said closure cap being connectedto said fluid container with a threaded interface, said closure caphaving a closure disc part and an annular encircling skirt havingthreads therein and extending from said disc part in the direction ofsaid container second end in close embrace of an outer surface of saidcontainer.
 26. A dispenser in accordance with claim 17, said closure capbeing connected to said fluid container using sonic welding.
 27. Adispenser in accordance with claim 17, in which said fluid container isattachable to said stem piece with a snap fit connection there between.28. A dispenser in accordance with claim 17, in which said fluidcontainer is attachable to said stem piece with a threaded interfacethere between.
 29. A dispenser in accordance with claim 17, furthercomprising an absorbent swab carried on a side of said mounting blockadjacent said base piece other side.
 30. A dispenser in accordance withclaim 17, wherein said means for allowing fluid release comprise one ormore capillary vessels.
 31. A dispenser in accordance with claim 17,wherein said frangible region of said container further comprises acover surrounding said frangible region and said tongue element tocontrol flow of fluid from said container to said fluid-absorbentmember.
 32. A dispenser in accordance with claim 31, wherein said coveris semi-permeable.
 33. A dispenser in accordance with claim 31, whereinsaid cover is non-permeable.
 34. A method for dispensing fluid from afluid dispensing applicator, said method comprising the steps of: (a)holding a dispensing applicator having a mounting block with a baseportion and a stem portion having communicating interior through coursestherein, a fluid-absorbent member carried at an end of said baseportion, an elongated fluid container having a first closed end andremote from said first end a frangible region with a substantially rigidtongue element extending longitudinally therefrom defining a containersecond end, and means for allowing fluid release from said containerthrough said mounting block to said fluid-absorbent member such thatsaid fluid-absorbent member is held against an application surface suchthat said tongue element is at an acute angle to said applicationsurface; (b) applying pressure to said tongue element to deflect saidtongue element from a central axis of said container, wherein at apre-determined amount of deflection, a frangible juncture of saidfrangible region fractures proximate an intersection of said tongueelement and said frangible region to allow fluid to flow from saidcontainer to said fluid-absorbent member; and (c) moving said dispensingapplicator over a desired region of said application surface to coatsaid desired region with said fluid from said fluid absorbent member.35. The method according to claim 34, wherein said downward pressureapplied is in the range of 0.25 to 5 pounds of force.
 36. The methodaccording to claim 34, wherein said fracture of said tongue element fromsaid frangible region creates one or more apertures in said frangibleregion to allow fluid flow from said container to said fluid-absorbentmember.
 37. The method according to claim 34, wherein said appliedpressure is a downward pressure on said dispensing applicator therebyapplying a downward pressure on said intersection of said tongue elementand said frangible region.
 38. The method according to claim 34, whereinsaid pressure is applied using said container in a direction coaxialwith said stem portion such that said tongue element interferes with afracture anvil positioned within said stem portion.
 38. A dispensingapplicator comprising: (a) a dispensing fluid container having a firstend and a second end; (b) said first end in communication with adispensing end; (c) said dispensing end being a first closed end, afrangible region remote from said first end, and a substantially rigidtongue element extending longitudinally from said frangible region anddefining a container second end receivable in said stem piece; (d) saidfirst end being a second closed end and closed with a closure cap, saidclosure cap being snap fit connected to said fluid container, saidclosure cap having a closure disc part and an annular encircling skirtextending from said disc part in the direction of said container secondend in close embrace of an outer surface of said container, a tip ofsaid container second end terminating in a radially inwardly directedannular flange; and (e) a dispersing member in non-removablecommunication with said dispensing end, whereby said dispersing memberincludes a sponge.